MONKFRITH SCHOOL

Building update

We’re delighted to say that the builders have made great progress over the summer holidays and the new early years unit and KS1 classroom that were promised for the beginning of September are on target! The lovely KS1 classroom is in use as of today and the reception block will be ready for use when our new children arrive in a couple of weeks. You’ll also notice our renovated reception area when you come to visit, which is open and welcoming. We’ll be putting some photos up on the website soon.

There are several areas where the builders have managed to accelerate their progress over the summer, which will mean less inconvenience for the school this term. The builders have laid a new path from the main entrance on Monkfrith Way to the lower playground. They have craned in all the buildings units into the central courtyard area and have made it possible for the lower playground to remain in use this term. We also have a new large play area at the back of the school.

Despite this great progress, you’ll notice there is still some work required to finish these areas off. External areas are safe for use but some still require additional work, which will be happening over the next few weeks so please bear with us.

Phase two of the project is now well underway. The second phase includes extending the kitchen and dining room, building two KS2 classrooms, fitting out the new library, activity studio and staff facilities. These are all due to be complete by the end of the autumn term. We’ll also be opening two new entrances to the school this term on Knoll Drive and Brookside South to ease pick up congestion. More details to follow soon…

WELCOME TO MONKFRITH

We are pleased to welcome two new teachers, Mrs Leighton-Ditchburn (Y6) and Miss Connolly (Y1) to Monkfrith this term. We are also pleased to welcome 3 new teaching assistants to our team and we hope they will all love working at Monkfrith as much as we do!

BOOK BAGS IN Y5

Just a reminder- children moving into Y5 in September are expected to bring Monkfrith book-bags to school not backpacks or any other sort of shoulder bag. Only Y6 are allowed to bring a back pack/shoulder bag on a daily basis and a pencil case (if they wish) in preparation for secondary school.

PARENT INFORMATION MEETING- Wednesday 14^th September 6.00 p.m.

Please note change to date.

We will be holding a Parent Information meeting on Wednesday 14^th September. You will be able to visit your child’s new classroom and meet the teacher at 6.00 p.m. This will be followed at 6.30 p.m. by an information meeting in the hall. This will be an opportunity for you to get to know all about expectations and procedures for the new school year. This is a meeting just for parents, please do not bring your child/children.

SCHOOL PACKED LUNCHES

Please note that if you do not notify us that you want to change to a “home made” packed lunch then your child will be provided with a school packed lunch and junior classes will be charged.

TEXTS/EMAILS RECEIVED

Please note that from now on, the office will not be replying to texts and emails received from parents asking for information that has already been provided by means of the weekly newsletter, trip letters or the school website.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT OUR OFFICE STAFF

Mrs Hudson will be away from the office for a while longer this term so Zoe and Sue are covering three jobs between them. They did a brilliant job last term and will continue to do the same this term. Please help them by using all the information provided in the newsletter and on the website, rather than asking the office. Please send any monies into school via your child’s book bag and use text, telephone and emails wherever possible for messages. Many thanks for your support.

KEY STAGE 1 AND 2 ART CLUBS

There will be a delay in the start to Art Clubs this term due to the disruption caused by the building work during the summer break. Both Clubs will start after half-term break.

KEY STAGE 2 CHOIR-Thursday 8^th September 8.15 a.m.

The first choir session this year will be on Thursday at 8.15 a.m. The session is a ‘try out’ for any new members and they should just come along to the hall. We look forward to seeing all our existing members as well.

DROPPING OFF AT BREAKFAST CLUB/COLLECTING FROM AFTER SCHOOL CLUB

Please make sure that you have the number for the After School Club saved on your phone when collecting or dropping off your child for either Breakfast Club or After School Club. You will still need to collect/drop off from the main entrance, as the Brookside South entrance is not ready yet. If no-one is available in the office to let you in, please ring the ASC and someone will come up straight away. Both Clubs are now situated in a classroom on the bottom corridor so please be patient, they will come as quickly as they can! If you need to leave a message for the After School Club after 4.00 p.m., please ring them directly or leave a text message on 07843 306 692. The school office is not staffed after 4.00 p.m. so if you leave a message there it will not be picked up until the following morning.

E-SAFETY NEWS

‘Netaware: a way for parents to review kids’ social networks, apps & games’

Netware is a parents’ guide to the social networks children and young people use. This is a good link to help you to stay up to date and keep your child safe in today’s digital world.

www.net-aware.org.uk/

Staying safe on Minecraft | ParentInfo

http://parentinfo.org/article/staying-safe-on-minecraft

CUT OFF TIME FOR BOOKING INTO AFTER SCHOOL CLUB

Just a reminder that the cut off time for booking your child into After School Club for an ‘as and when’ slot on the day is 1.00 p.m. Children cannot be accepted after this time as the staffing has already been arranged.

UNIFORM FROM SEPTEMBER

Please make sure that children are in full school uniform, including suitable school shoes. I saw quite a lot of trainers creeping into school towards the end of last term, they are not acceptable as part of our uniform. Can I also remind you that jewellery is not allowed, apart from small earrings and a watch (Y3 upwards).

DINNER MONEY FROM SEPTEMBER

Just to let you know dinner money for the first half-term will be £73.10 for 6 weeks and 4 days. Please make cheques payable to Monkfrith School and send payment via your child’s book bag in September if your child is to have a school packed lunch.

TRIPS THIS TERM

Tuesday 13^th September: Y2 trip to Epping Forest (packed lunch required)

Wednesday 14^th September: Y5 trip to Dennis Bland Centre (packed lunch required)

Thursday 15^th September/Friday 16^th September: Y4 to Moat Mount Outdoor Centre

Wednesday 28^th September-Friday 30^th September: Y5 to Kingswood Centre in Kent

KEY STAGE 1 CHOIR

We welcome back our Y2 members and also Y1 children who would like to join us for an enjoyable lunch-time sing on Tuesdays (12.15-1.00). Please contact Ruth for further information. (07977569076)